Overview

Tummy tuck surgery is a very common procedure that removes unwanted fat from the abdomen and tightens the rectus muscles. Dr. Marguerite Bernett is eager to meet with you to discuss the benefits of this surgery and share with you her own expertise and knowledge. Tummy tuck surgery is best for candidates who have loose, hanging skin on and around the abdomen that may have been caused by weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Liposuction is often a necessity with this procedure to remove stubborn fat and it helps to fully display the body you deserve. To learn more about this procedure and if it is the right match for you, schedule a consultation at one of our 3 Southern California offices.

Reviews

"Patient. Explains everything very well. Detail oriented and is very interested in actually caring about people"

- Anonymous / Healthgrades / Aug 13, 2017

"It is hard to put into words how very happy I am now that I have had the Mommy Makeover.
After all of the exercising and dieting I did after my last pregnancy, the loose tummy skin and drooping, smaller breasts and stubborn fat, uhhh so frustrating. So with Dr. Bernett's s t outstanding treatment and very caring manner, I feel like a new person! There is no other way to describe it. I am happy being a mom of course even before the surgery, but now I am so very happy with my improved look : )"

- Anonymous / RateMDs / May 31, 2015

"I feel like a new person after my Mommy Makeover! I recently was treated by Dr. Bernett, and I couldn't be happier. After my last pregnancy my body changed a lot, not only weight gain, also drooping breast and the loose tummy skin. I did a good amount of exercise and was careful with my diet, but the drooping, and loose skin did not improve much. Plus some areas of fat are just darned stubborn!
Now that those trouble areas are lifted and tightened, I truly feel so much better. Dr. Bernett really took care of me and was careful and caring all the way.
Everything looks great, and I am feeling so much better !!!"

- H.M. / Wellness / May 30, 2015

"I am very happy with the procedures Dr. Bernett did for me. I had a face and neck tightening procedure which removed some fat and tightened my skin. As I am getting older, I also gained a little weight. My cheeks and chin were sagging, and I was getting a double chin. Now, I look ten years younger and feel better, too! I did a laser firming treatment for my entire face and my skin looks really beautiful. Several of my colleagues from work also went to see Dr. Bernett after they saw my results and were very satisfied. She is professional, very thorough and what I really love is that she takes her time and she cares."

- M.N. / Yelp / Apr 22, 2015

"I went to Dr. Bernett to have my implants replaced with smaller ones and a lift. I was never fully happy with my first results 10 years ago and felt m ..."

4.9

Best Candidates

Patients considering a tummy tuck surgery should be at or near their goal weight. Our doctor believes that this surgery garners the most effective results once all pregnancies have been completed and additional weight gain can be avoided. In general, good candidates for tummy tucks are men or women who demonstrate:

Excess or sagging skin of the abdomen

Abdominal contour that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body

Stable weight if excessive skin is due to massive weight loss

Weakened and separated abdominal muscles (due to pregnancy)

Excess fatty tissue that is located primarily in the abdomen

What to Expect

During the initial consultation, our dedicated team will evaluate the overall health of the skin and assess skin quality, looseness, and the amount of fat that is present in the abdominal region. This will help our surgeon to develop an individual surgical plan. Some patients will only require minor tightening, known as a mini tummy tuck, whereas others will require a more extensive approach, which is a full tummy tuck. The difference is in the size of the incision as well as how much skin and fat need to be removed. During surgery, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The incision extends laterally toward the hipbones and the length depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After tummy tuck surgery, patients will need to be very careful as they attempt to stand straight and begin moving around. Swelling and bruising are expected, but the use of an abdominal compression garment will help with this. There will be some numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist for several months. Patients may return to light activities within 2 weeks from surgery, and can expect a full recovery within 6-8 weeks. The outcome following this surgery is a tighter, flatter tummy. Scarring is typically not seen as the incision is placed inconspicuously and is generally hidden by undergarments and bathing suit bottoms.

Expected Cost

The average cost for a tummy tuck will depend on the extent of the surgery. Mini tummy tucks start at around $3,500, whereas a full tummy tuck could exceed $7,000. After a thorough assessment has been made and a treatment plan compiled, the costs will be outlined according to the patient’s surgical plan.

Attain a Flat Tummy!

Tummy tuck surgery has changed the lives of countless men and women. In particular, women who have completed pregnancies or have lost a significant amount of weight find that this surgery allows them to reclaim their figure once again. If you have loose and sagging skin in your abdominal region and ready to attain a flat tummy, please call our plastic surgery office today and schedule a consultation with our acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon.